Tropical Island Wedding Planning Tips and Advice

The tropical island paradise of Vanuatu has long been a popular wedding destination for couples on a budget and people marrying for the second time round.

These days, there is an ever-increasing trend for couples, who prefer smaller, more intimate weddings, to choose Vanuatu as the location for their wedding. Vanuatu is very much the preferred choice for many couples wanting to find inspiration away from home or simply to escape the stress and expense of planning such a significant event themselves.

A Vanuatu Wedding also involves a bit of fantasy. Marrying your true love in exotic Vanuatu IS different AND unbelievably romantic! It provides couples with a unique setting and brings something extra and special to a wedding that you just isn't available at home. An overseas island wedding in Vanuatu is an event that neither the bridal party nor guests will ever forget!!

Vanuatu is fast becoming the ultimate wedding destination for many couples in love - mainly because of the huge $ savings and the fact that Vanuatu also boasts some fabulous wedding venues, all with unique, spectacular backdrops.

Everyday life in Vanuatu is very friendly and relaxed. Couples who marry or renew their vows here readily take in the ambience of this beautiful paradise and frequently choose to honeymoon here as well. Either way, more time tends to be set aside to enjoy this special event - it's a wedding and holiday all rolled into one.

The average cost of a wedding in places like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and Europe are so high, smart couples are choosing to travel to Vanuatu and marry here. They get to see another part of the world, experience the indigeneous lifestyle, enjoy beautiful surroundings AND marry/honeymoon - all for less than what a wedding would normally cost at home!

BUT be warned - If you plan to organise your Vanuatu Wedding all by yourself from your own country, you'll only have yourself to blame if everything goes south!! Instead, we recommend that you follow the essential guidelines set out below to ensure that your tropical island wedding turns out just the way you want it to!

ESSENTIAL TIPS AND ADVICE - The Guidelines

Enlist the services of a local wedding planner. Planning a wedding is always a lot of work, let alone planning one away from home. You'll need an experienced Wedding Coordinator who will be with you throughout the planning process to ensure that your vision of your wedding day is something that can realistically be delivered on in Vanuatu. When choosing such a person or company, look for testimonials from their past customers.

The Wedding Venue, Reception and Ceremony.

Discuss all your requirements and options with your Vanuatu wedding planner so that everything comes together the way you want it AND within your budget! This includes the Marriage Celebrant and the legal requirements.

Budget.

Consider selecting an existing Wedding Package. To keep your budget in control go for a Package and stick to it. Don't start requesting foods that may not be readily available in Vanuatu, as this may result in additional cost to you in having to transport it in (and keep it fresh in the process)!

The Photographer.

It is extremely important for you to book your photographer at an early stage. If this is not done, you can very easily find that there isn't one available.

Invitations.

Give your guests as much notice as possible. This means sending out the invitations early or at the very least, sending out a "Hold the Date" notice early. Make sure you include details of the destination! It's also a good idea to give them the names and contact details of Travel Agents who can assist with guest accommodation - ones that may be able to give your guests a better deal or upgrades for group bookings.

Hair and Makeup.

Qualified Hair and Makeup Stylists are few and far between in Vanuatu. The couple of good ones are always in demand, so it will be important for you to have your wedding coordinator book appointments well in advance. This is also something that's worth letting your intended guests know about - otherwise you may all find yourselves looking less than your best!!

The Wedding Cake.

Again, cake makers are in short supply, so again, it's not a good idea to leave it to the last minute.

Flowers.

Just remember that your flower selection will be limited to what is available locally (unless you plan to bring in your own)!

Transportation.

You'll need to discuss with your wedding coordinator any necessary arrangements for getting you and your guests to the ceremony and reception.

Weather - Climate.

The beauty of Vanuatu is that it has a tropical climate. This means that it is seldom cold but you should check with your professional wedding coordinator, that your proposed wedding date DOESN'T fall smack in the middle of the cyclone season! It's also a good idea to have some sort of back up plan - just in case it does rain on the day.

There's nothing quite like a tropical island wedding in exotic Vanuatu ..... and where you get to save money at the same time!